Tamara Stephens
Buckner,MO
Summary
Self-motivated, highly organized, Senior Benefits Professional with extensive experience and success in managing and administering employee health and welfare benefits. Exceptional communication skill that contribute to training and education of newly hired employees and handling escalated issues with confidence.
Benefits professional prepared for impactful contributions in benefits management and strategic planning. Proven ability to optimize benefits programs and enhance employee engagement. Known for collaborative teamwork, adaptability to changing needs, and delivering reliable results. Skilled in benefits administration, regulatory compliance, and vendor management.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Benefits Specialist
MoKan Sheet Metal Workers Health and Welfare Fund
04.2019 - Current
- Serves as a resource to employees, members and providers, handling questions, training, and escalations
- Directly assists Plan Director and Trustees various projects
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
- Process and Audit Medical, Dental, Vision, WBA, Life, Rx claims
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
Benefits Specialist
Operating Engineers Health & Welfare
10.2018 - 04.2019
- Resolved issues and inquiries from plan participants regarding health and welfare benefits and deductions through telephone, email, and in-person interactions.
- Conducted regular audits of benefit plans and records, addressing discrepancies proactively before they became larger issues.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations regarding employee benefits programs.
- Maximized employee understanding of benefits offerings through effective communication initiatives.
- Processed employee life event changes, ensuring timely updates to benefits and coverage for qualifying events such as marriage or the birth of a child.
- Updated HRIS systems as needed to reflect benefit-related changes accurately, maintaining up-to-date records for all team members.
- Implemented open enrollment system to streamline benefits processes for employees.
- Participated in annual benefit plan review meetings with senior leadership, providing data-driven insights and recommendations for future plan design adjustments.
Account Manager (Small - Midsize Groups)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City
08.2008 - 10.2018
- Maintain accounting records for small & medium size groups
- Updating and maintained eligibility, enrollment, annual contracts
- Extensive Customer Service, medical claims processing
- Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, ensuring timely communication and effective problem resolution.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Education
No Degree - Medical Assisting
05-2008
Associate - Nursing
10.1993
High school or equivalent - General
05.1992
Skills
- Claims Analysis
- Customer Relationship Management
- Office Administration
- Skilled in Document Creation
- Excel Proficiency
- Facets
- Compliance Management
Timeline
Senior Benefits Specialist - MoKan Sheet Metal Workers Health and Welfare Fund
04.2019 - Current
Benefits Specialist - Operating Engineers Health & Welfare
10.2018 - 04.2019
Account Manager (Small - Midsize Groups) - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City
08.2008 - 10.2018
Sanford Brown College - Associate, Nursing
Concorde Career College - No Degree, Medical Assisting
Fort Osage High School - High school or equivalent, General
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